The Christmas holidays whizzed right by in a flurry of visiting and celebrating. All of my immediate family made their way home despite treacherous blizzards, swelling our house occupancy from two to nine.
We talked, joked, debated, matched wits at board games, spoiled The Little Princess, attended Church together, played basketball and a lot more pickleball, watched an entire season of “24”, and marveled at Big Guy’s amazing mastery of Guitar Hero.
We were busy with other important activities as well. Most of the family attended a college football bowl game, and our team pulled out a last minute victory. We had a successful family portrait sitting, for which my daughter cheerfully coordinated our outfits, resulting in one big handsome family! Big Guy received his Eagle Scout award at a Court of Honor, at which all the male members of our family proudly stood as current Eagle Scouts. The Little Princess’s father celebrated a twenty-something birthday, with obligatory chicken rolls and lemonade pie. My Key Limey and my middle son participated in a somewhat disappointing, but politically interesting, presidential caucus.
We all enjoyed the camaraderie and companionship. For me, my son the new lawyer, said it best when he offered some remarks at Big Guy’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor. He recounted how when Big Guy was born, he had not been sure how much interaction he’d have with Big Guy, since they are 9 ½ years apart in age. He then said, “And now, I count you, [Big Guy] as one of my best friends.”
An old saying quips that you can’t choose your relatives, but you can choose your friends. I am happy to choose these relatives, my family, as my best friends.
Posted by Cyppy at 8:43 PM
